Domestic Violence & Abuse (You & Your Family) - Testimonials

Your Legal Options Explained

Survivors of domestic abuse have several legal paths available to protect themselves and their children. Our family law and domestic violence solicitors will talk through these options with you to find the safest approach for your circumstances.

1. Reporting abusive behaviour to the police

You should report all abusive behaviours to the police. The police can investigate whether a criminal offence has been committed and where appropriate, take protective steps. A charging decision may be made by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service. Even where no criminal charges are ultimately brought, the police can record the incident, assess any safeguarding concerns and help build a picture of ongoing behaviour. This information can be important if protection through the family court or other agencies is needed.

In an emergency or if you or someone else is in immediate danger, you should always call 999. For non-emergencies, contact the police by calling 101 or report the incident online.

Following an arrest, the police may impose bail conditions to help protect you, such as preventing the perpetrator from contacting you or entering certain areas, including your home. If the abusive behaviour does not amount to a criminal offence, there may still be legal options available to help protect you, as outlined below.

2. Solicitor warning letters

This is a formal letter sent from our domestic violence and abuse solicitors directly to the person hurting or harassing you. It clearly outlines their behaviour and tells them to stop immediately, warning them that court action will follow if they continue. In some cases, a carefully worded solicitor’s letter can be effective in stopping certain behaviours. However, this is not suitable in every case, particularly if there is a risk that the letter could escalate the behaviour. We will consider safety first before advising whether this step is appropriate and we will never send one if we believe it might increase your risk of harm.

3. Applications to the family court

If a warning letter does not stop the behaviour, our domestic violence and abuse solicitors can apply to the family courts for protective legal orders. In urgent cases, it may be possible to apply to apply for these orders without giving notice to the abuser, meaning the abuser is not told about the court hearing until after the protective order is already in place. The court will decide whether this is appropriate.

Non-Molestation Order

A non-molestation order can prevent the abuser from using or threatening violence, harassing, pestering, intimidating, or encouraging others to behave in this way. The order can also be obtained to protect children.
It can prevent the abuser from contacting you by phone, digital communications, social media, or other online platforms.
A non-molestation order is usually granted for between 6 and 12 months, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, it may last longer or be extended when it is due to expire.
Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. The abuser can be arrested by the police and prosecuted in the criminal courts.

Occupation Order

An occupation order sets out who can live in the family home and can secure your right to remain there.
It can require the abuser to leave a home they share with you.
Depending on the circumstances, the court may also make related orders about the house and household arrangements such contributing financially to the household such as mortgage or rent payments and household bills. This would need to be carefully explored.
The terms of an occupation order vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the protection required.
A power of arrest can be attached to an occupation order, giving the police the authority to arrest the abuser if they breach the order.
An occupation order is usually granted for between 6 and 12 months, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, it may be extended following a further application to the court.

Legal Aid Funding

Legal Aid may be available for domestic abuse injunction, subject to financial eligibility and merits. Our domestic violence and abuse solicitors can assess your position and eligibility during our very first conversation. There are different levels of funding available, and we will handle the applications to the Legal Aid Agency on your behalf to help cover your legal fees wherever possible.

Recognising Domestic Abuse and Finding Support

Understanding domestic abuse and violence

Domestic violence and abuse can take many forms and does not necessarily involve physical violence. It can include emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, or coercive controlling behaviour, and the harm it causes is not always visible.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as abusive behaviour between people aged 16 or over who are personally connected. This includes people who are or have been married, engaged, or in a civil partnership, those who have been in an intimate personal relationship, parents of the same child, and many family relationships, including parents, grandparents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, step-parents, and step-children.

Children may also be affected by domestic abuse, even where the behaviour is not directed at them personally. The law recognises that children can be victims in their own right where they see, hear or experience the effects of abuse.

Domestic abuse can include:

Psychological and emotional abuse, constant criticism, intimidation, threats, or gaslighting, where someone is made to question their own memory or perception of reality.
Controlling or coercive behaviour, such as isolating someone from friends and family, monitoring where they go, telling them what to wear or how to spend their money, or using excessive affection and gifts ("love bombing") to manipulate or control them.
Sexual abuse, including any non-consensual sexual activity, pressure, or behaviour forced upon you within a relationship.
Financial abuse, including restricting your access to money, controlling your bank accounts, or forcing you to hand over personal financial assets.

Domestic abuse is often thought of as a marital issue, but it can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, relationship status, or living arrangements.

Spotting the signs

If you are worried about someone, it is important to lookout for the signs of domestic violence and abuse. Domestic abuse does not necessarily have to be physical, and the emotional harm it can cause is often much harder to recognise.

An abuser will often use controlling behaviour to isolate someone from their friends and family, making them increasingly reliant on the abuser. They may discourage them from seeing loved ones, accuse them of cheating, monitor their communications, or make them feel responsible for the abuse they are experiencing. Over time, the person may begin to question their own memories or perception of reality through gaslighting, or see controlling behaviour as normal.

If you are worried someone, try to start a gentle conversation and look out for signs such as:

They feel guilty talking to you or mention that their partner or relative is unhappy about them speaking to friends or family.
They seem overly critical of themselves or their appearance.
They mention that their partner or relative checks their text messages, emails, or other personal communications.
They seem unusually stressed, anxious, nervous, or withdrawn.
They talk about giving unusually large gifts or transferring money, property, or other financial interests to their partner or relative.

Of course, some of these behaviours can happen in healthy relationships – giving a large gift on a special occasion can simply be a genuine act of love. However, if a person has been trapped in a long-term abusive relationship, they may have come to view these controlling behaviours as completely normal or acceptable.

If you are unsure whether to be concerned about your own situation or someone else's, remember that help is available. Many support organisations offer free, confidential advice to help you figure out the next best steps safely.

Specialist support organisations

If you need immediate emotional support, housing advice, or emergency safety planning, our domestic violence and abuse solicitors highly recommend contacting these dedicated organisations:

Sheffield DACT: 0808 808 2241
The Elm Foundation: 08000 198 668
Hopian (formerly Rotherham Rise): 0330 202 0571
Juno Women’s Aid (Nottingham): 0808 800 0340
Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247
ManKind Initiative: 0808 800 1170
Respect Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Refuge: 0808 2000 247
MIND:0300 123 3393
Shelter: 0808 800 4444
Bright Sky (free mobile app): Android | iOS

Supporting you every step of the way

1. Highly sensitive legal expertise

We have deep experience managing domestic abuse cases and recognise how incredibly stressful these situations are. Our domestic violence an abuse solicitors in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Dronfield and Mansfield handle every call with total confidentiality, sensitivity, and care.

2. Focused entirely on your safety

We understand that every family situation is unique and that coming forward takes immense courage. Our priority is help you take protective steps as quicky and safely as possible.

3. Clear communication without jargon

Legal terms can feel overwhelming, especially during a crisis. Our domestic violence and abuse solicitors speak plainly and use clear English to explain your options, keeping you safely updated on our progress using your preferred, most secure method of contact.

4. Trusted regional protection

As an established, trusted law firm, we support survivors of domestic violence and abuse cases right across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. We can liaise with relevant agencies and signpost you to trusted local support services.

5. Transparent financial guidance

We are completely transparent about fees and will check your eligibility for Legal Aid immediately. Where Legal Aid isn't available, we offer affordable fixed-fee advice packages, where possible, so you face no hidden costs or unexpected financial stress.

Please call Banner Jones on 0344 659 9050 today or visit our abuse and domestic violence solicitors in Sheffield, Dronfield, Chesterfield and Mansfield. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way.

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